Located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the Children’s Wisconsin Orthoptic Fellowship Program offers a premier, comprehensive fellowship experience in pediatric ophthalmology, adult strabismus and orthoptics. As part of one of the nation’s leading pediatric health systems, fellows benefit from exceptional clinical exposure, structured education and individualized mentorship in a collaborative, patient-centric environment.

The Orthoptic Fellowship Program at Children’s Wisconsin is designed to develop highly skilled, well-rounded and confident orthoptists prepared for independent clinical practice and national American Orthoptic Council (AOC) board certification. The Children’s Wisconsin Orthoptic Fellowship Program blends robust clinical immersion with structured didactics, emphasizing excellence in patient care, critical thinking, professional growth and lifelong learning.

Program Structure

• Two fellows per year
• Standard program length: 24 months
• Accelerated 12-month option available for qualified candidates with advanced standing
• Flexible start dates, typically July–August

Program Aims and Goals

The Pediatric Orthoptic Fellowship Program aims to:

• Train fellows in clinical and academic orthoptics
• Prepare fellows for productive futures in orthoptic practice
• Provide resources and mentorship for basic science, translational and clinical research

Program goals include education, clinical care, research and professional development.

Fellows train across multiple Children’s Wisconsin clinical sites, gaining exposure to a diverse pediatric and adult patient population and a wide spectrum of ocular and binocular vision disorders. Under the supervision of experienced pediatric ophthalmologists, adult strabismologists, pediatric optometrists and certified orthoptists, fellows participate in comprehensive evaluations, diagnostic testing and management of complex conditions.

Clinicals are generally Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with fellow support provided by the Program Director and precepting orthoptists. Fellows will be responsible for meeting AOC requisite patient counts and maintaining patient encounter logbooks.

Clinical skills are continuously taught through observation and hands-on practice during patient evaluations.

• 0-6 months: Introduction to terminology, ocular anatomy, basic exam techniques, classification of strabismic deviations, history taking, visual acuity testing.
• 6-12 months: Direct patient contact, perform basic exams under supervision, advanced lectures in neuroanatomy and physiology, diagnostic techniques and orthoptic therapy.
• 12-18 months: Continue advanced lectures, introduction to retinoscopy and refraction, perform complete motility examination with limited supervision.
• 18-24 months: Demonstrate ability to perform a complete and accurate motility examination without supervision, appropriate use of measurement and diagnostic techniques, accurate determination of refractive error, formulate diagnosis and treatment plans.

For additional information about the Orthoptic Fellowship Program or application materials, please contact:

Children’s Wisconsin Orthoptic Fellowship Program
Veronica Picard Schaefer, CO
vpicard@childrenswi.org
(414) 266-2020

Deadline for Submission January 31

Mail/Email complete application to:

Veronica Picard Schaefer, CO
8915 W. Connell Court, Suite 360
Pediatric Ophthalmology Department
Milwaukee, WI 53226

Any questions regarding the application or program may be answered by emailing vpicard@childrenswi.org.

Please include:

• Application
• Immunization records
• Official copy of college transcripts (sent directly to email address above if permitted by university)
• Three letters of recommendation (sent directly to email address above)
• Up-to-date curriculum vitae
• Personal statement of why orthoptics appeals to you, and describe any relevant work, volunteer or life experience. Handwritten on a separate sheet of paper